Valentine’s Day: Intimate, with a hint of extravagance

Islama­bad gets ready for the arriva­l of valent­ines day with gigant­ic hearts and red wrappi­ng paper.


Momina Sibtain February 14, 2011

ISLAMABAD: As Cupid awakes after a year of fleeting activity and gets ready to sprinkle confetti on lovers around the world, Islamabad gets ready for his arrival.

Even though the most scenic city of the country seems to have a relatively dormant take on celebrating the day of love, the nooks and crannies of Islamabad are seeing to it that the day is intimate with a hint of extravagance.

The city is not overly decorated in red wrapping paper and gigantic hearts, but the essence of love can still be felt in the roadside children selling red roses and shops displaying red outfits and heart-shaped balloons in their display windows.

The minimalistic style adopted by the city for Valentine’s Day is not nauseating for the ever-growing single population or too overwhelming for the ones in love.

Polo Lounge in Saidpur Village has gone all-global in order to make it special for its guests. The special menu set for the day includes appetizer Mussels Au Gratin, Norwegian pink salmon, saddle prawns and chicken breast stuffed with ricotta and wrapped in turkey bacon.

Rose petals and tea candles have been used to create an ambiance that exudes love and romance.

While Polo Lounge’s approach brings the Lahori touch to Islamabad by going all-out, other Islamabad eateries are planning a relatively low-key mood for Valentine’s Day celebrations.

The neighbouring Zizous has designed a special menu for two priced at Rs2,999. Apart from their delicious food the restaurant is offering a special V-day drink called Red Diamond Smoothie, which is new strawberry smoothie with a twist of fizz.

If someone is in the mood to enjoy some delectable treats but avoid the throngs of people, Cinnamon in Beverly Centre is the place to be. After facing a very traumatic month of putting out fires and working on damage control, the restaurant is back in business and is offering a more intimate space for V-day celebrators.

With special additions to the menu including smoked salmon and prawn appetizers, along with a unique take on beef fillet stuffed with prawn, the restaurant is set upon tantalising the taste bud of their guests.

As restaurants sprout up with exciting “V-day” menus designed specifically for two, L’atelier has put selected designers on sale, besides offering gift vouchers of up to Rs5,000 to ensure that the day is special for all those celebrating.

Whether single or in love, no one is stopping one from buying new clothes. L’atelier has put up a special sale on Body Focus Museum, Mayhem, Nickie Nina, Sharmeen, Nizia, Mahin and Erum. It is the perfect opportunity for ladies to shop till they drop.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 14th, 2011.

COMMENTS (2)

Sana | 13 years ago | Reply Happy valentine day to all Pakistanis. :)
Naweed Talash | 13 years ago | Reply Happy valentine day
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